U.S. Department of Energy Opens $33-41 Million Technology Funding Call Targeting Critical Minerals

Highlights

• DOE's $33–41M solicitation includes $13–16M for its Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation office covering fiscal 2026–2027.
• Synthetic-only experiments and vague recovery proposals are explicitly excluded; applicants must demonstrate real feedstock, defined products, and measurable specs.
• 30–50 projects lasting one to three years are anticipated, with concept papers due November 3, 2026.
• Full processing-facility construction is excluded, making this a commercialization filter rather than a capacity-building breakthrough.
• Companies with credible feedstock, proven processes, and downstream partners are best positioned to benefit.